86 



PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



The fruit is of a vivid red when ripe, appearing hke a huge 

 bunch of coral. The berries are about the size of a large pea, 

 and are extremely hard. They have been used by settlers for 

 bird-shooting when ammunition was scarce. Though so hard,, 

 however, they are much relished by the kakas or wild parrots. 

 These birds, unable to find foothold upon the smooth stem of 

 the palm, hang upside down, with one claw fixed on the Imse 

 of a leaf, and thus enjoy their meal. 



Fig. 17. Flower of the Nikau. lihopaloKtijlis sapida. (J nat. size). 



The leaf-strips are much used by tlie Maoris for weaving 

 into baskets and kits of every description. 



The bark is ringed with cicatrices formed by the falling off 

 of the dead leaves. The base of a fallen leaf, with the fan-like 

 part torn off, makes an excellent basket for carrying flowers. 



A curious six-headed specimen of the nikau, about forty 

 feet high, was discovered not long ago in the Kaipara. 

 (Fig. 19). 



